Business Casual Challenge

[TroyMcClure]

I'm probably overthinking this, but I struggle with business casual in the world I work in and could use some thoughts.

On an average day, I work in a pretty traditional environment. Men are usually in suits, some may lose the tie on Friday and wear a sport jacket. I wear a suit everyday because that is comfortable for me.

If we head to the "field", we're usually in a more casual environment, sometimes downright "industrial". We are the HQ people showing up, and it is a fairly big deal to those in the field. When the field folks come see us, they usually have to dust off their suit and tie for the occasion.

I am not an executive, but I am often with an executive level person and or am representing one, and I'm often meeting with the local executive or person in charge.

I have a trip coming up this week where I'll be with meeting with an executive and some other third-party folks in a position of authority, representing executives back at HQ. One of the other aspects is that I'll likely be representing a position that will be the unpopular one, but the one that rules the day.....because we're headquarters.

We'll likely heading out on a site visit, and doing it in 80 degree weather. Normally I'd default to a navy sport coat, blue or tan chinos, a standard button down collar oxford, and brown AE Kenilworths. But I really don't think leather sole shoes are a good choice for this on the performance front.

I'm also usually the youngest person at the table, so I tend to rely on appearance to help overcome any "stigma" related to that. On a normal day, I do that with a nice suit. In the field, I am out of that element.

So any thoughts on an outfit that will still look "authoritative" and neat for what may be a spirited debate on policy, but have some utility to head out of the office in warm weather? Appreciate it.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

March warm weather in approximately where? Geography matters re what might look acceptable. The blue chinos probably should be part of the outfit, in any case.

 

[johng70]

Have you been to this "site" before? Showing up for a lengthy field visit at a construction site in leather shoes is different than being there for 1/2 hour. If the day is in the field you need to dress appropriately for the field. You are young - nothing says inexperienced like not dressing appropriately for field conditions. I suggest more casual shoes appropriate for the field - you can bring the blazer but you will likely leave it in the car.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

There are OSHA footwear requirements for some sites, albeit probably rarely for visitors. At the very least, the footwear should be rigid and thick-soled and have some grip.

 

[thesilentist]

Are you allowed to bring a change of shoes? Can you stuff a pair of dress loafers in your bag/briefcase to change into when you goto an office on this trip? Because I'd definitely would wear workbooks on a job site. Frankly, it's a matter of safety.

Just pull a Donald Rumsfeld: